20 Different Types and Styles of Sofas Explained
Given that there are so many different couches and sofas, how to choose the right one and not get disappointed? First, keep three main characteristics in mind: room size, interior, and the number of family members. Second, prioritize comfort over style: that loveseat may have a perfect color but be impossible to sit on longer than five minutes without getting your back sore.
Types of sofa may seem the same and differ only by color, but their arm and back shapes indeed influence the seating experience heavily. Check out our sofa guide and get ready to pick a perfect piece for your living room. Full-on relaxation and quality time with your family are guaranteed!
What Are Sofas?
In fact, 'sofa' is quite a loose term that can be applied to any upholstered bench. That’s why in this guide we’re going to cover not only sofas but also armchairs, ottomans, futons, and more. There are many couch types names so we will unveil the secret behind each of them and discover their functional differences.
Armchairs
Among different sofa types, armchairs are the most common ones even though they were not that popular until the 16th century. Back then, stools, benches, and chests were used for seating.
How much they missed!
If you want to isolate yourself from the party, an armchair is made for you. It ensures enough space and comfortable seating to pamper your back. Or if you have a very special guest, you can introduce them to a single seated armchair too.
Loveseats
These furniture items started as wide chairs for voluminous woman skirts, but then evolved into 'loveseats' where a courting couple could sit close to each other without breaking personal boundaries.
As one of the most popular types of sofa, the loveseat was designed for two people. Thanks to its compact size, it makes a great match with a coffee table and armchairs.
Also, an Italian-made universal loveseat cover can add extra softness and comfort to the loveseat as it warms up during the cold season and protects your sofa from damage.
Sofas (3-Seaters)
3-seater sofas are a classic option among different sofa shapes for a family of three. If you have a little kid, better put sofa covers on the furniture to protect it from food stains and make sure that those crayons won’t ruin the sofa.
In general, the term '3-seaters' comprises different furniture styles. So, let's check what couch names are behind it:
- Rollback sofa. Also called 'grandma’s couch', this sofa has a square back that is not leveled with the armrests. Rolled cushion in the back gives it a bit of a different and extraordinary look.
- Round back sofa. This mushroom-shaped sofa is quite a comfortable piece of furniture for the spine as its backrest is well cushioned and contributes to overall comfort.
- Chesterfield sofa. Chesterfield became popular during the Victorian era because of its tufted back and rolled arms. Today, its old-fashioned style adds elegance to the interior and makes it a point of attention in the home office.
- Mid-century modern sofa. Clean and minimalistic, this piece of furniture takes its couch name from the 1930-1970s. Low though comfortable enough for seating, the distinctive shape of its sofa sets it apart from others.
- Sleeper couches. Pull-out couch beds save space and are perfect for kids because as we all know: they like unique-looking beds. A sleeper sofa may house two people and be used as a couch throughout the day or as a bed at night.
- Low-seated sofa. These long armless sofas were designed for minimalist interiors and compact rooms. They are about 18 inches tall which makes them good for lounging and relaxing in the living room.
Large Sofas (4-Seaters)
One of the most common types of sofa is 4-seaters. Big enough for a family of four or for hosting a get-together with friends, large sofas are the best bet when it comes to functionality.
You don’t need to bring extra chairs from the dining room to seat all the guests since these 120 inches long sofas can house everyone! So, if you want to go with only a single furniture piece in your lounge, choose a 4-seater sofa.
Futons
Futons came to us from Japan where up to these days, the cost of living space remains premium. In the same fashion, as it is with sleepers, futons can be used both as couches and beds — just fold down the frame to get a flat surface for sleeping. Among all the different shapes of sofa, futons may be the most minimalistic option.
Sectionals
In the late 1950s when houses started to get bigger, sectionals made their way into living rooms. They are composed of multiple seating pieces which you put together depending on the number of people. It's better to place a sectional in a large room or even an open area because they take up a considerable amount of space.
The category of sectional sofas also includes corners, L-shaped, and U-shaped couches. So, let's take a closer look at them.
Corners
Corners are the sectionals that have an added chaise lounge which makes them both a lounging chair and a sofa. To protect the fabric of these sofas from UV lights, spills, and accidental damage, people normally use corner sectional couch covers.
Highly durable, these covers are easy to clean and maintain and keep their color even after 120 washes. So you can order a burgundy or emerald green slipcover and not worry about it losing its original look.
L-Shaped
These modular sofas are designed to perfectly fit the corners of the living room. They provide additional seating without occupying extra space. So if you have a small room but need to accommodate a bunch of people, then L-shaped sofas are a perfect choice here.
Not to get bored with the same color over years, go with the L shape couch cover, as it is the easiest and cheapest way to give your old couch a new life. This is how you can save money on reupholstering your old sofa and refresh your home interior just in one move.
U-Shaped
Compared to other styles and different types of sofas, U-shaped sectionals are great for those who like to host football Sundays, crowd get-togethers, and celebrate holidays at their place.
For such occasions, U shape couch cover is a must-have if you want to avoid dirt, stains, and spills on it. The slipcover also protects from accidental drinks spilling, food crumbs, and scratches.
Chaise Lounge Sofas
Chaise lounge means long chair in French. These sofas were quite common in the royal interiors of ancient Egypt. And this is why by many they are still considered as go-to items, when it comes to high-end premium interior designs.
A chaise lounge has a lengthened seat that can also be used for leg rest. If you want to add extra softness and coziness to this item, use chaise lounge slipcovers that come with soft and pleasant-to-touch Italian fabric.
Recliners
The reclining mechanism on such a sofa raises its footrest and lowers the back to make it possible for the sofa's occupant to lie down on it. Some recliners also come with a massage feature, cushion heating, and even sound speakers.
Reclining Armchairs
Made for cozy nights, reclining armchairs feature pop-up footrests that create an elevated position for you to lie down. If you want to relax after a long day at work, a single seated armchair is what you need.
Many movie theaters offer reclining armchairs for their guests so these pieces can be a great choice for movie nights at home too. Just take popcorn and bring the footrest forward!
Reclining Loveseats
Different types of loveseats include reclining loveseats that provide extra seating comfort for two people. Reclining loveseat slipcovers here can also act as damage control. In case of unexpected drink spills and food flops, they will securely protect your furniture.
Reclining Sofas
Among different sofa types, reclining sofas are best for large families. Here, every family member can take a comfortable position for them without disturbing others.
But how to make sure that such a sofa won't get ruined by kids or pets? Get reclining sofa slipcovers as they are stretchable and can adapt to the sofa shape without altering it. They enhance furniture lines and look just like the upholstery.
Ottomans
During the royal rule of the Ottoman Empire, these were the centerpieces in every living space. Nowadays, ottomans are smaller than once in royal bedrooms and act as complimentary furniture items only. Light and easy to move, ottomans normally serve as footstools or coffee tables today.
Wingback Chairs
These chairs got their name from the extended flaps on either side of the back that resemble small wings. Wingbacks are perfect for well-deserved solitude after a noisy day. Kids may play, your husband may watch football, and you just sit and dive into your thoughts.
Barrel Chairs
What makes these chairs different is that they have a low curved back that extends to the arms making them look like a barrel.
Designed for one person, barrel chairs are a must-have for cozy winter nights. They are also a great option for home parties and get-togethers when you want to stay relaxed but not to fall asleep completely.
Looking to save your old furniture?
If your furniture is old and faded, slipcovers come in handy as a budget-savvy feature here. Affordable prices let you play with colors and textures and refresh the look of your living space every season.
New slipcover — new vibe!
Different couch styles need their own particular slipcovers that fit a particular size, shape, and style. And our covers have got you covered there also since they fit most common sofa shapes and brands! But that's not all:
- Unique fabric technology. Patented stretch bi-elastic fabric offers stretchability of up to 120%. Thanks to it, a single slipcover within a fitting range can perfectly fit different sofa styles and types.
- Stunning designs. No boring or generic patterns: only bold, trendy, and vivid colors that embody perennial motifs of Italian design. From pastel Jacquard 3D to festy Velvet, all collections have something just for you.
- Eco-friendly material. All slipcovers are made of 100% hypoallergenic material, meaning they are kid- and pet-friendly. Covers also have skin-friendly pH and do not cause any allergic reactions after contact with the fabric.
- Easy to care for and maintain. Being machine washable, our slipcovers maintain color and shape after up to 120 washes. Forget about vacuuming a couch. Just take off a slipcover and wash it in the washer. Your furniture will always stay clean and look like it came out of the store yesterday!
Give Mamma Mia slipcovers a try and see how your room interior gets refreshed almost instantly. All products we offer are made in Italy and will serve you for years!
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